1
as in to fumble
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
messed up the drawing and had to start over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
a nap had messed up her hair and she looked a sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stumble
to make a mistake
if anyone messes up even once while we're recording, we have to start all over again
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
threatened that he would mess him up if he cheated at the game
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess (up)
Verb
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Foster Carling House While Remick may be fumbling his Hollywood comeback, his home is pure architectural triumph.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2025 -
The player on the trophy is depicted fumbling the ball.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Comments The Four Seasons is an eight-episode Netflix series about middle-aged married couples whose dynamic is disrupted by a divorce in their midst.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
3 May 2025
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The Red Sox appear uncertain if adding another change to his routine would disrupt his rhythm at the plate.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
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How did the world’s two largest economies stumble toward a trade war that neither truly seeks and which the rest of the world can’t afford?—
Zongyuan Zoe Liu,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Apr. 2025
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In 1857, Sam stumbled into the job that would shape his identity.—
Lauren Michele Jackson,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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She even, no joke, at one point, spits on the stage and licks it back up.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2025
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When the family's roast dinner was over, the OP (original poster) set the plates and some pots and pans on the floor for her dog to lick.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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What’s the dish that’s most likely to blow a skeptical traveler’s mind?—
David Hochman,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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However, the impending free agent had an 11.25 ERA, two losses and one blown save over 10 games entering Monday.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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When Cody trips and falls in the grass, his friends band together to comfort him and get him a bandage for his boo-boo.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
9 May 2025
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That goal came seven seconds after the Kings killed off a tripping penalty to Drew Doughty.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And when the series takes an occasional serious turn, you'll just be confused.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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However, simply getting older doesn’t equate to consistently missing bills or appointments, having a hard time speaking with people, or feeling lost or confused in places that are familiar to you.—
Alisa Hrustic,
SELF,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Each level is also absolutely crawling with secret collectibles hidden in various nooks and crannies, which often tease you with a glimpse through a hole in some impassable wall or rock formation.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
9 May 2025
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Their highlight reels hide the daily grind that actually creates results.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Mess (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess%20%28up%29. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
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